Sallent de Gállego walks

Magnificent views of the French (Pic de Peyrelue, Soques, Balaïtous) and Spanish (Foratata, Sabocos, Pala de IP...) peaks of the Pyrenees on this moderately difficult loop trail, which goes around the El Forato massif, a group of several peaks very close to each other. Difficult if, like me, you choose to climb the peak from the landmark. Walking sticks are highly recommended for the descent. Lots of marmots along the route.

Punta Pacino is a magnificent 360° viewpoint from which you can admire a host of peaks, such as the Pics d’Enfer, Peña Roya, Pico de Anayet, Pic du Midi d’Ossau, Peña Forratata, Lake Lanuza, the village of Sallent de Gallego and many more. Forests and pastures blend together to form a splendid landscape. The route follows a track for a short stretch, but is mostly along paths and trails.

El Pacino offers a unique 360-degree panorama of the Aragonese and French peaks, including the Pic du Midi d'Ossau in Béarn, and a beautiful variety of vegetation, although it is sometimes too exuberant as it often invades the trails.

Hike from the car park at the Fomigal Zona Anayet resort towards Lake Anayet. Follow the GR®11 trail. Pass through La Garganta and then continue at a leisurely pace to Lake Anayet. Once at the lake, the view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau is magnificent, as are the surroundings, colours and reflections. You can also hike to the Cuello de Anayet pass (2,414 m) and then Punta del Garmo (2,555 m), which are off the beaten track.

This is a circular route that follows existing paths. The descent follows a track that sometimes disappears, but is never far away. Just look out for the cairns. There are also herds of cows and sheep (watch out for the Ppatous).

A short hike to the summits of two very close peaks. Superb views and a 360° panorama, particularly towards theCirque d’Anéou, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau and the Lurien Massif. You’re likely to spot marmots and chamois along the way.Please note that whilst these peaks are in France, the majority of the route takes place in Spain and along the border ridge. The GPX track may prove useful.

What better season than spring to discover (or rediscover) the mountains? Snow still adorns the landscape, streams flow merrily down the slopes, and a profusion of flowers carpets the already thick grass of the mountain pastures. The Cirque d'Anéou, in the upper Ossau valley, offers us the added bonus of its magnificent setting and geological curiosities.

A circular walk starting from the Anéou basin, to pay a visit to Jean-Pierre, the giant of Béarn, and enjoy the beauty of a few small mountain lakes. A walk we have done several times in late summer or autumn, always with the same pleasure.

With only 8 km and 470 m of elevation gain, this hike is accessible to almost everyone. The paths are wide and easy to follow. The views are magnificent. A change of scenery without too much difficulty. From the refuge, the more adventurous can climb to the Col de Peyreget or the Col de Suzon. To do so, you will need to be very well equipped.

Lac de Houer is very quiet, as hikers prefer to head towards Lac de la Pombie from Cabane d'Araille. In summer, this walk allows you to admire the equally beautiful landscapes far from the crowds, surrounded by pastures and herds of cattle.

This winter version of the walk takes you through the stunning Cirque d’Anéou and its vast snow-covered expanses.But its main attraction lies in the approach to the giant of the Béarn, the Pic du Midi d’Ossau (2,884 m), via a circuit around and ascent of its little brother, the Pic Peyreget, which lies just a few hundred metres opposite it. At the summit of the Peyreget, you feel as though you could almost touch the ridges of the ‘Jean-Pierre’, as it is nicknamed by the locals.Covered in snow, this secluded route is challenging but truly exceptional!

The first stage of this beautiful hike. Not particularly demanding, with no specific difficulties apart from the distance. Featuring magnificent scenery, views of the south face of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau and the lakes. The route includes a bivouac at Lac de Roumassot with a breathtaking view of the Ossau! The path is well signposted from start to finish, with quite varied scenery: mountain pastures, rocky outcrops and lakes.

A classic destination in the Cirque d’Anéou, this winter hike offers the vast, snow-covered and peaceful expanses of the cirque, along with majestic views of the French and Spanish peaks along the border. The distance and elevation gain make it a great destination for the start of the season!

A beautiful winter walk set in a wild and completely uncrowded landscape, on the French-Spanish border.

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you will need to use your hands, but it is sure to leave a lasting impression.You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who made the ascent in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of it in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description of it yourself requires a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

With its small lake fringed by large boulders, the Pombie Refuge is the starting point for all ascents and climbs to the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. There are two possible routes to reach it: via the Cirque d’Anéou or via the Caillou de Soques. This route describes the approach via the Caillou de Soques.

A round trip along the Gave de Brousset, offering superb views of the surrounding mountains. The route is often shaded. If you are not sensitive to the cold, you can swim in the river.

This winter hike through majestic scenery takes you to the lovely Lac d’Arrious, which may be frozen over in winter, and offers views across the valley to the string of lakes at Artouste and Arrémoulit. A hiking app or GPS is strongly recommended.

This loop in the Ossau Valley offers a wide variety of peaks, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, aerial passages and remarkable 360° views. It is a challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and passages where you need to use your hands, but it is not one you will forget. It adds difficulty and also enjoyment to the traditional loop by passing through the famous Passage d'Orteig, the Pic d'Arrious and the cliffs of the Barre d'Arrious!You will be following in the footsteps of Henry Russel, who climbed the Arriel via the normal route in July 1874 and gave a faithful account of his ascent in the Bulletin de la Société Ramond, under the title "Explorations pyrénéennes" in October 1874.Writing a description yourself forces a certain amount of humility, as his style, always generous, often lyrical and sometimes emphatic, commands respect! All this with the limited technical means of the time!

This round trip hike requires a fairly good level of fitness. Long distance and steep gradient. Returning via Lake Artouste greatly reduces the difficulty. This hike is magnificent. Throughout the climb, you will have the high peaks in your sights. The trails are varied: you will cross forests, summer pastures with herds of cattle, streams and, early in the morning, you may even see some izards (a type of wild goat).

A beautiful loop starting from Piedrafita de Jaca with a visit to a geological curiosity, the Sarronal Arch.

Day two: return to Astún from the Pombie Refuge, via the Col and the Peyreget hut, then Lake Castérau and the Col des Moines. Compared to the first day, the elevation gains are a little steeper, with the final ascent covering nearly 520 m. The atmosphere is different: no ridges, but lakes and valleys!

Start from Los Baños de Panticosa via the GR® 11, passing the Bachimana refuge, Ibon de Bachimana Bajo, Embalse de Bachimana Alto and Ibon Azul Superior. Return via the same route.

A tourist and walking route to the wonderful blue lakes of Artouste and Arrémoulit, then to a border pass offering a beautiful panoramic view of the upper Arriel Lake, the Palas and the Balaïtous.

A very attractive circular path on paper but a little challenging in practice, between the two huts: 560 m of elevation gain, a fairly steep climb through the forest, followed by a traverse in the sun, before descending back into the forest to rejoin the wide path along the Brousset to the car park.

A leisurely walk, largely in the shade, with little change in altitude. A return trip along the same very pleasant path, which follows the banks of the Gave du Brousset in the Upper Ossau Valley. Halfway along the route, there is a possible turn-off to climb up to the Pombie Refuge.

This is a fairly challenging hike in terms of elevation gain, but offers varied landscapes. This little-visited lake is a haven of peace and ideal for a picnic with family or friends.

The not-to-be-missed Lacs d'Ayous, deep in the Ossau valley, with a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

A classic sporting challenge in the Ossau Valley. The Pic du Midi, affectionately known as Jean-Pierre, can be circumnavigated in an anti-clockwise direction. Although well marked and signposted, the route suffers from a total lack of signposting in the National Park. Reserved for experienced hikers. ⚠️ 23/09/2025: The Magnabaigt trail (section of the Tour du Midi d'Ossau) will be closed from 1 September 2025 until further notice from (8) to (S/E) for forestry work. Hike not possible at this time.

Why Grand Tour? Because it's a must-see passage through the Ayous Refuge in a setting that is, how can I put it? Sublime... ⚠️ 23/09/2025: The Magnabaigt trail (section of the Tour du Midi d'Ossau) will be closed from 1 September 2025 until further notice from (13) to (S/E) for forestry work. Hike not possible at this time.

This is a short hike that takes you off the beaten track to a lake that is less frequented but just as beautiful as the more famous Ayous Lakes, perhaps because this walk can only really be done as a round trip. We went there in autumn for the peace and quiet, the beauty of the site and, quite simply, for the colours, the colours!

This route in the upper Ossau valley allows you to explore the ridges overlooking the Ayous lakes without having to deal with the crowds that flock there. The Vallon d'Aas de Bielle is a wonderful and peaceful pastoral spot. From the top of the Pics d'Ayous and Larry, there is a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau (2,884 m), which rises up imposingly, as well as all the Ayous lakes, which are well worth seeing from such a height!